Last night I had a lovely dinner and movie date. Because the movie was at Century 24, we decided to eat at Jasmine Thai, which is on Jefferson and I-25. I went through a phase not that long ago where I craved Asian foods a lot...and consequently visited Jasmine Thai quite a bit. Since that phase has passed, I haven't gone as frequently...but was reminded of why I like to go. The atmosphere is wonderful, the servers are relatively quick and friendly, and the food is always good.
When you first walk into the restaurant, you'll be transported to Asia. Brightly colored walls are softened with lower lighting, flowers and art adorn the walls and ceilings, and candles (in super awesome lotus holders) are at each table. The effect- though it sounds tacky in writing- is actually quite perfect and zen. I love just being in the restaurant.
The menu has an extensive selection of Thai dishes, and not all of them are as familiar to me. I love a good food adventure, but I'm always a little hesitant when it comes to Asian food- I've had a few "interesting" experiences when ordering the unfamiliar. However, Jasmine's menu has descriptions of each dish, so no matter what you go for, you're relatively well-informed of what you'll receive. That said, I enjoy their chicken satay (traditional and delicious), the cucumber salad (with tomatoes, lime, and cilantro...it's very fresh tasting), every noodle dish I've tried (Pad thai included), and the Sweet and Sour chicken/pork. I don't normally go looking for Sweet and Sour dishes on Thai menus, but happy circumstance lead me to try it off a dining companion's plate, and I was wowed. I appreciate that the non-noodle meals can be served with white or brown rice. The noodle meals tend to be served on one plate for the individual, whereas other dishes are served in a separate dish in "family style."
Jasmine Thai is one of those rare places that has actually succeeded in offering both Thai food AND sushi from the same restaurant. Depending on your mood, the sushi is a good choice. I'm pretty sure that the actual sushi maestro is Japanese, and judging from my limited experiences with real (read, raw fish) sushi, he knows what he's doing. When I'm in the mood for sushi, I'm more than happy with a bowl of miso soup (heavy on the seaweed, but very flavorful), a roll or two (I tend toward the spider roll or shrimp tempura roll), and a bowl of edamame (which I've had mixed experiences with- sometimes it tastes fresh, other times not).
No matter which direction you go with your main course, I suggest finishing the meal with Thai custard. They offer other desserts, but I frankly have never bothered with them after discovering the custard. It's served with sweet rice in the middle of the plate and two slices (I'm assuming from some sort of square custard mold) of custard that's slightly green (pistachio color, not something scary). I can't describe it much more than to say, it's a cultural experience that's just fantastic.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Reincarnation? (Interlude)
I sometimes wonder if I am actually the reincarnation of Elvis. Not because I have a penchant for swiveling my hips (though I do) or that I own blue suede shoes (I don't) or even that I can sing (I can!)... So why do I think there might be a little bit of Elvis spirit in me? Because I love Love LOVE peanut butter and banana sandwiches. I can't get enough of them. I wax and wane in my frequency of pb&b devouring...but right now, it's definitely at a max. (Said in my best Julia Child accent) they're just delicious!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Speaking of Delicious Grease (Gyros)
After much daydreaming and salivating over the thought of pizza, I decided to take myself over to Saggios for a slice. Only I never made it that far. As I got out of my car on Cornell, the smell of fresh Greek food accosted me (stronger than that of Italian), so instead of walking through the door of my kitsch destination, I traipsed across the street for a gyro at Gyros. And I didn't look back.
There are a few Greek restaurants within close proximity to the University, and I find Gyros to be the best, though I know I'm upsetting the Olympia Cafe contingent. Don't worry, folks, I'm an equal Greek-ist, so I've been to both several times. The main difference for me is in the pita and the galaktoboureko (I'll explain this momentarily). Also, I find the set-up of Gyros to be just a tad bit more classy. So Gyros wins, and will be my review of the day.
Walk into Gyros and you'll immediately appreciate the use of copper in a restaurant. Something about their color scheme just screams posh to me, and I immediately feel like I've stepped away from UNM (but keep in mind that I'm easily amused, so don't put too much stock in my ambiance comments). You order at the counter, and usually there are just enough people ahead of you that you have time to peruse the menu and make a decision before it's your turn. It's basic Greek fare, so much of it is familiar. The menu board does a nice job of explaining the lesser-known items, and even offers you the pronunciation so you don't sound like a complete tool when ordering. You'll then get a number to put on your table (in Greek, so you also score a mini Greek lesson while you wait) and a server will promptly bring your food out.
I'd like to suggest:
* The gyros sandwich- the old standby and definitely the best. The pita is warm and soft, the meat is flavorful, and the tzadziki has enough garlic to kill any cold you've been harboring. If you go for the combo, you get a side Greek salad and fresh potato fries (cut into the shape of chips).
* Dolmas- some combination of goodness wrapped in a grape leaf and pickled slightly. They are like mini burritos if burritos were wrapped in leaves and filled with lemony rice and pine nuts.
* Tabbouleh- made of bulgar wheat with lots of lemon juice and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. It's a classic Greek side, and I find it to be very refreshing and quite addictive.
* An Italian soda- yes, you read right. When at Gyros, order yourself a soda to go with your food. It's lighter than beer (especially if you have to go back to work after lunch) and made-to-order, so you can flavor it up however you like.
* Galaktoboureko- baklava's fun cousin. Instead of just layers of phyllo, you get custard wrapped in phyllo and topped with lemon syrup. Trust me, this stuff is way better that baklava, and it offers an interesting textural adventure for the mouth.
Gyros offers a whole slew of traditional Greek foods, and though I haven't eaten everything they offer, I feel pretty comfortable telling you to try anything. This place believes in using garlic and lemon to the max, so I generally think they can do no wrong. You'll leave Greek-gorged and happy...and you probably won't even notice the good smells coming from Saggios across the street. I know I didn't.
There are a few Greek restaurants within close proximity to the University, and I find Gyros to be the best, though I know I'm upsetting the Olympia Cafe contingent. Don't worry, folks, I'm an equal Greek-ist, so I've been to both several times. The main difference for me is in the pita and the galaktoboureko (I'll explain this momentarily). Also, I find the set-up of Gyros to be just a tad bit more classy. So Gyros wins, and will be my review of the day.
Walk into Gyros and you'll immediately appreciate the use of copper in a restaurant. Something about their color scheme just screams posh to me, and I immediately feel like I've stepped away from UNM (but keep in mind that I'm easily amused, so don't put too much stock in my ambiance comments). You order at the counter, and usually there are just enough people ahead of you that you have time to peruse the menu and make a decision before it's your turn. It's basic Greek fare, so much of it is familiar. The menu board does a nice job of explaining the lesser-known items, and even offers you the pronunciation so you don't sound like a complete tool when ordering. You'll then get a number to put on your table (in Greek, so you also score a mini Greek lesson while you wait) and a server will promptly bring your food out.
I'd like to suggest:
* The gyros sandwich- the old standby and definitely the best. The pita is warm and soft, the meat is flavorful, and the tzadziki has enough garlic to kill any cold you've been harboring. If you go for the combo, you get a side Greek salad and fresh potato fries (cut into the shape of chips).
* Dolmas- some combination of goodness wrapped in a grape leaf and pickled slightly. They are like mini burritos if burritos were wrapped in leaves and filled with lemony rice and pine nuts.
* Tabbouleh- made of bulgar wheat with lots of lemon juice and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. It's a classic Greek side, and I find it to be very refreshing and quite addictive.
* An Italian soda- yes, you read right. When at Gyros, order yourself a soda to go with your food. It's lighter than beer (especially if you have to go back to work after lunch) and made-to-order, so you can flavor it up however you like.
* Galaktoboureko- baklava's fun cousin. Instead of just layers of phyllo, you get custard wrapped in phyllo and topped with lemon syrup. Trust me, this stuff is way better that baklava, and it offers an interesting textural adventure for the mouth.
Gyros offers a whole slew of traditional Greek foods, and though I haven't eaten everything they offer, I feel pretty comfortable telling you to try anything. This place believes in using garlic and lemon to the max, so I generally think they can do no wrong. You'll leave Greek-gorged and happy...and you probably won't even notice the good smells coming from Saggios across the street. I know I didn't.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Delicious Grease (Saggios)
Having just admitted my dieting trend, I feel a little hypocritical to mention greasy deliciousness also referred to as pizza. Oh I've tried to ban it from my life, telling myself that all that cheese and grease and crust just wasn't good for me. I tried to rationalize that I would later thank myself for choosing the salad over a gooey piece of pizza. I even tried to convince myself that pizza was not, in fact, the most tasty thing ever. In short, I failed. Pizza is still high up on my list of cravings, and is one that I will happily give in to. That said, if I'm going to succumb, it better be worth it. For this reason, you can always find me at either Saggios or Dion's when a craving strikes.
Now, it is important that you recognize that I'm neither a New Yorker or an Italian, so my taste in pizza is not what you would call "authentic." But I think that Albuquerque has some good pizza to offer, and it's worth trying out. Today I'll stick with Saggios, but I'll hit Dion's (and NYPD and Scalo's) at a later time to give you a broad spectrum of choices.
What you will immediately appreciate about Saggios on Cornell and Central is the ambiance. Located in the hub of student activity and bustle, Saggios is your quintessential college pizza place with one unique distinction: this place has got CLASS. And by class I mean murals all over the walls, a fountain, and plants, pillars and strings of lights hanging from the ceiling. It's enough to induce a seizure, though I think it actually just induces pizza orders.
Step up to the counter (after waiting in a line flanked with tv's...in case you get bored) and order to your heart's content. I have found their specials to be amazing, but more often go for the pizza, drink and dessert combo for something like $5.50. With slices as big as my face (no joke), you're definitely getting a good deal. The crust is perfectly baked, and the end crust can double as a bread stick. You have all sorts of choices for toppings, so mix and match as you please. And if you are a purest like me, the cheese can stand on its own. They also make really awesome calzones (baked fresh, so be prepared to wait longer), pasta (try their pesto sauce, it's great), and focaccia sandwiches (which are huge and will easily feed two). All of the ingredients are fresh and flavorful...so if you order mushrooms on something, expect that they will actually taste like mushrooms, not canned white slices. Any of the above paired with a beer equals a perfect meal. You can even buy pitchers of beer (and we're talking the better stuff, not Bud) if you're out with a crowd or feeling inordinately thirsty.
If you're looking to be "healthy" amidst the pizza-snarfing crowd, salads are available...but they tend to be so-so. I've had their caesar salad twice and while it was edible, it certainly didn't deliver as much outstanding flavor as everything else on the menu. Side salads are similar- you would do better to go for the pasta salad than the lettuce salad. Lesson learned: if you're going to eat at a place that specializes in delicious grease, have something greasy.
And let's not forget dessert. I already mentioned that I get the combo that includes a treat. My choice is always the chocolate cannoli (because it's an Italian restaurant, for Pete's sake), but their cheesecake varieties rock too. I've had mixed feelings about their frozen desserts...sometimes they are great, and sometimes they taste like freezer and appear to have melted at least once already. Saggios also offers coffee drinks to complement dessert, but they're nothing special, so just go with another beer.
Once you are stuffed, you can attempt to roll your stomach back out the door, or you can sit and contemplate the murals until your meal settles. I vote for the latter...it rounds out the experience, and you'll leave full AND cultured. Who says it doesn't pay to give in to your cravings?!
Now, it is important that you recognize that I'm neither a New Yorker or an Italian, so my taste in pizza is not what you would call "authentic." But I think that Albuquerque has some good pizza to offer, and it's worth trying out. Today I'll stick with Saggios, but I'll hit Dion's (and NYPD and Scalo's) at a later time to give you a broad spectrum of choices.
What you will immediately appreciate about Saggios on Cornell and Central is the ambiance. Located in the hub of student activity and bustle, Saggios is your quintessential college pizza place with one unique distinction: this place has got CLASS. And by class I mean murals all over the walls, a fountain, and plants, pillars and strings of lights hanging from the ceiling. It's enough to induce a seizure, though I think it actually just induces pizza orders.
Step up to the counter (after waiting in a line flanked with tv's...in case you get bored) and order to your heart's content. I have found their specials to be amazing, but more often go for the pizza, drink and dessert combo for something like $5.50. With slices as big as my face (no joke), you're definitely getting a good deal. The crust is perfectly baked, and the end crust can double as a bread stick. You have all sorts of choices for toppings, so mix and match as you please. And if you are a purest like me, the cheese can stand on its own. They also make really awesome calzones (baked fresh, so be prepared to wait longer), pasta (try their pesto sauce, it's great), and focaccia sandwiches (which are huge and will easily feed two). All of the ingredients are fresh and flavorful...so if you order mushrooms on something, expect that they will actually taste like mushrooms, not canned white slices. Any of the above paired with a beer equals a perfect meal. You can even buy pitchers of beer (and we're talking the better stuff, not Bud) if you're out with a crowd or feeling inordinately thirsty.
If you're looking to be "healthy" amidst the pizza-snarfing crowd, salads are available...but they tend to be so-so. I've had their caesar salad twice and while it was edible, it certainly didn't deliver as much outstanding flavor as everything else on the menu. Side salads are similar- you would do better to go for the pasta salad than the lettuce salad. Lesson learned: if you're going to eat at a place that specializes in delicious grease, have something greasy.
And let's not forget dessert. I already mentioned that I get the combo that includes a treat. My choice is always the chocolate cannoli (because it's an Italian restaurant, for Pete's sake), but their cheesecake varieties rock too. I've had mixed feelings about their frozen desserts...sometimes they are great, and sometimes they taste like freezer and appear to have melted at least once already. Saggios also offers coffee drinks to complement dessert, but they're nothing special, so just go with another beer.
Once you are stuffed, you can attempt to roll your stomach back out the door, or you can sit and contemplate the murals until your meal settles. I vote for the latter...it rounds out the experience, and you'll leave full AND cultured. Who says it doesn't pay to give in to your cravings?!
How to Lose It (interlude)
As of late, I've turned into an insane, calorie-counting dieter who thinks that a day without exercising is a failure indeed. But being that this weekend was host to the world famous San Ramon Tea (which I have catered for eight years running), I told myself that I was going to have to lighten up on the diet, and just do my best for the few days I needed to exclusively devote to the tea. I expected to gain a pound...
...and instead lost four. What fresh hell is this? Do you mean to tell me that snacking on buttery treats and taste-testing batters and drinking excessive amounts of caffeine actually leads to weight LOSS??? Again I ask, what fresh hell is this?! I've been killing myself (or more accurately, my sweet-tooth) trying to eat better and work out. And when I give that up, my body rejoices and gives me a present... Another thought is that I did actually lose my mind over the weekend (I've been threatening to lose it for weeks). I wonder how much a mind weighs? At any rate, I'll just chalk this up to good old mother nature.
I know this really has nothing to do with my blog theme of eating well while eating out...but let's hear it for nature rocking!
...and instead lost four. What fresh hell is this? Do you mean to tell me that snacking on buttery treats and taste-testing batters and drinking excessive amounts of caffeine actually leads to weight LOSS??? Again I ask, what fresh hell is this?! I've been killing myself (or more accurately, my sweet-tooth) trying to eat better and work out. And when I give that up, my body rejoices and gives me a present... Another thought is that I did actually lose my mind over the weekend (I've been threatening to lose it for weeks). I wonder how much a mind weighs? At any rate, I'll just chalk this up to good old mother nature.
I know this really has nothing to do with my blog theme of eating well while eating out...but let's hear it for nature rocking!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hippy Lunch (Winnings Coffee)
As I have already mentioned, I work on campus, so therefore I frequent the Nob Hill and University area restaurants more than others in town. When I'm feeling a little uptight, I like to hit up Winnings Coffee for chai and an attitude readjustment.
Winnings Coffee is on Central and Harvard, and there are always local hippies sitting outside. If you tend to be intimidated by the dreadlock and patchouli crowd, I suggest you get over it and venture inside. There you'll find a quirky restaurant (complete with a community table and a few beat-up couches) with great drinks and food. The space is surprisingly airy and open, and all traces of patchouli vanish once you're inside. You order up at the counter and the food is brought out to you...with the server looking for you based on what you are wearing. Because they don't have a very sophisticated system for locating the correct diner, keep an eye out for your food, or else it might walk by you several times. I find this quirk to be rather charming and amusing, but if you're looking for speed and accuracy, don't expect it here.
When I come to Winnings, I know what to expect and therefore come with the paper or a book. They also always have new art displays on the walls, so I like to take some time checking those out too. Generally, I'm quite content to sip chai and wait. There are two drinks on the menu you must try (and you pick them up at the counter, so you don't have to wait): the chai, which is strong and peppery, and the mocha shake, which is the epitome of delicious frozen coffee (and is made with rich ice cream). I tend to like the chai cold, but if you're ever suffering from the sniffles, the hot version will pick you back up in no time.
Though they're open all day, Winnings only has a breakfast and lunch menu with fairly basic fare. Depending on my mood, I'll go for the bagel sandwich (with bacon and green chile), the waffles (which usually come with eggs...and for some reason, that combo is awesome), the BLT (on wheat bread with a side salad- so that makes the bacon healthy, right?), or one of their soups. Everything from the kitchen at Winnings is fresh and you can definitely taste the fact that it was made just for you. My only word of warning with the food is that you thoroughly inspect any of the baked goods that are out on the counter...I've had a couple stale pastries of theirs. Other than that, the food is always quite good.
With their awesome chai and good food, I find Winnings to be a very pleasant place to have a bite to eat and relax. Something about hippies outside just screams "zen zone" to me, and I always leave calmer and fuller than when I arrived.
Winnings Coffee is on Central and Harvard, and there are always local hippies sitting outside. If you tend to be intimidated by the dreadlock and patchouli crowd, I suggest you get over it and venture inside. There you'll find a quirky restaurant (complete with a community table and a few beat-up couches) with great drinks and food. The space is surprisingly airy and open, and all traces of patchouli vanish once you're inside. You order up at the counter and the food is brought out to you...with the server looking for you based on what you are wearing. Because they don't have a very sophisticated system for locating the correct diner, keep an eye out for your food, or else it might walk by you several times. I find this quirk to be rather charming and amusing, but if you're looking for speed and accuracy, don't expect it here.
When I come to Winnings, I know what to expect and therefore come with the paper or a book. They also always have new art displays on the walls, so I like to take some time checking those out too. Generally, I'm quite content to sip chai and wait. There are two drinks on the menu you must try (and you pick them up at the counter, so you don't have to wait): the chai, which is strong and peppery, and the mocha shake, which is the epitome of delicious frozen coffee (and is made with rich ice cream). I tend to like the chai cold, but if you're ever suffering from the sniffles, the hot version will pick you back up in no time.
Though they're open all day, Winnings only has a breakfast and lunch menu with fairly basic fare. Depending on my mood, I'll go for the bagel sandwich (with bacon and green chile), the waffles (which usually come with eggs...and for some reason, that combo is awesome), the BLT (on wheat bread with a side salad- so that makes the bacon healthy, right?), or one of their soups. Everything from the kitchen at Winnings is fresh and you can definitely taste the fact that it was made just for you. My only word of warning with the food is that you thoroughly inspect any of the baked goods that are out on the counter...I've had a couple stale pastries of theirs. Other than that, the food is always quite good.
With their awesome chai and good food, I find Winnings to be a very pleasant place to have a bite to eat and relax. Something about hippies outside just screams "zen zone" to me, and I always leave calmer and fuller than when I arrived.
My Daily Dos (Dos Hermanos)
UNM recently made an excellent decision: the addition of Dos Hermanos and Saggio's to the food court of the SUB. As most of you know, I am a slave to UNM's HR department, so this news is quite welcome to me. Now I can trot over to the SUB on my lunch breaks and enjoy something that isn't Sonic or wrapped in cellophane.
To be frank, I haven't always loved Dos Hermanos. In fact, when they first opened, I was not at all impressed and also somewhat horrified to find a mushroom in my enchiladas. Since then, however, Dos Hermanos has grown into a good place for a chile fix...and now I eat there (semi) often.
Dos is very casual and not at all frilly. You place your order at the counter, and they make it fresh right in front of you. This means that you can modify your order quite a bit to result in your perfect burrito/enchilada/whatever. Unfortunately, they seem to run on a weird schedule, and you're therefore limited to ordering perfection for breakfast or lunch. Since Dos Hermanos can be ordered in bulk for parties, you could always order some for dinner, but the taste is not quite the same reheated- unless you order tamales, because those bad boys taste damn good even the next day.
Aside from their tamales, I recommend anything drenched in their green chile, be it enchiladas or a breakfast burrito. I particularly enjoy their enchiladas with chicken and a hint of onion. All of their burritos are huge and overstuffed with your choice of ingredients (I usually go the breakfast route, if only to appease my desire for bacon). They are ideal for hangover curing, and growing boy feeding. If you happen to be a growing boy with a hangover, so much the better.
Dos Hermanos will definitely add a little pep to my midday now that it's in the SUB, but there are other locations around Albuquerque for those of you not on campus. And with cheap, quality food (as opposed to cheap-quality food), what's not to enjoy?
To be frank, I haven't always loved Dos Hermanos. In fact, when they first opened, I was not at all impressed and also somewhat horrified to find a mushroom in my enchiladas. Since then, however, Dos Hermanos has grown into a good place for a chile fix...and now I eat there (semi) often.
Dos is very casual and not at all frilly. You place your order at the counter, and they make it fresh right in front of you. This means that you can modify your order quite a bit to result in your perfect burrito/enchilada/whatever. Unfortunately, they seem to run on a weird schedule, and you're therefore limited to ordering perfection for breakfast or lunch. Since Dos Hermanos can be ordered in bulk for parties, you could always order some for dinner, but the taste is not quite the same reheated- unless you order tamales, because those bad boys taste damn good even the next day.
Aside from their tamales, I recommend anything drenched in their green chile, be it enchiladas or a breakfast burrito. I particularly enjoy their enchiladas with chicken and a hint of onion. All of their burritos are huge and overstuffed with your choice of ingredients (I usually go the breakfast route, if only to appease my desire for bacon). They are ideal for hangover curing, and growing boy feeding. If you happen to be a growing boy with a hangover, so much the better.
Dos Hermanos will definitely add a little pep to my midday now that it's in the SUB, but there are other locations around Albuquerque for those of you not on campus. And with cheap, quality food (as opposed to cheap-quality food), what's not to enjoy?
La Provence (The Brasserie)
Ever since our trip to Provence last summer, I have had occasional hankerings for pommes frites with mayonnaise. I know this sounds truly disgusting to the average population, but having lived in Europe and taken various trips around the continent thereafter, I can tell you that I'm not the only weirdo who eats this. Surprisingly, ketchup is not the condiment of choice across the Atlantic. They seem to prefer dipping most everything in mayo. Mind you, their mayonnaise tends to be much better than what you'd buy here in a jar. For one, you can actually tell that it's an egg based product. Secondly, it's creamy without being gloppy and the taste is so much better. If you've ever made your own mayonnaise (or aioli), you probably understand what I'm talking about.
However, I digress. I only mention the above addiction to introduce my favorite source of frites and mayo in ABQ: La Provence in Nob Hill. It's a darling brasserie (French for a relaxed cafe) that makes good French food and serves a nice glass of wine. It's a little more upscale than an actual French brasserie might be, but I still find it to be comfortable. And the fact that they make the best damn frites (served with mayo if you request it) in town only helps.
I think that La Provence is open for breakfast (though maybe only on weekends, I'm not really sure), and I seem to recall noting that it's nothing more than a traditional European meal- heavy on the breads. I haven't actually eaten breakfast there (I've only perused the breakfast menu), so don't hold me to that. Lunch and dinner are far more superior in their offerings- pate, escargot, quiche, and frites can all be found. I tend to come in for dinner mostly, but they have the same menu and prices for both meals, which means that I can always get my frites.
If you ask me, I think it's perfectly appropriate to order a glass of wine and a bowl of frites, and call it a meal. But perhaps that's a little barbaric. So, if you're looking for a full (traditional) meal, here are some favorites: the Steak Frites (ok, so this is basically the same as above, only adding a piece of tender, flavorful beef to the mix), the country pate (which comes with little gherkins, or pickles, that are honestly the best I've had in quite some time), or the croque madame (like the croque monsiuer with an egg on top). I also recommend anything off of the special's board- the kitchen knows what they're doing, and how to make wonderful seasonal dishes. And the best part? Even if the meal you choose doesn't come with frites, you can order them as a side. Call me potato-centric, but I cannot fathom entering La Provence and not ordering frites.
As I mentioned above, La Provence has good wine. They have an extensive list, and you can order by the glass (of a limited selection) or bottle. As not all wines can be ordered by the glass, it's always a good idea to bring along dining companions to share a bottle with. That said, I think that the wines I've had by the glass are quite good, and I've never really lamented that a certain wine needed to be purchased by the bottle. Though, to be fair, I'm not a sommelier, and my opinion on wine is a bit uneducated.
In contrast, my opinion on dessert is quite educated...and in my opinion, the desserts here are worth trying. They tend to be slightly sweeter than traditional French confections, but given the American taste for sugar, I think they are probably more appealing to the average diner. Their creme brulee holds its own, and I once had a dessert crepe special that was outstanding. Again I suggest the seasonal specials, especially if they include fruit. Paired with some strong French coffee, dessert is a pleasant end to a francophile feast.
Whether you're looking for a nice place for a meal, or need your fix of frites (or other French specialties), you'll find it at La Provence.
However, I digress. I only mention the above addiction to introduce my favorite source of frites and mayo in ABQ: La Provence in Nob Hill. It's a darling brasserie (French for a relaxed cafe) that makes good French food and serves a nice glass of wine. It's a little more upscale than an actual French brasserie might be, but I still find it to be comfortable. And the fact that they make the best damn frites (served with mayo if you request it) in town only helps.
I think that La Provence is open for breakfast (though maybe only on weekends, I'm not really sure), and I seem to recall noting that it's nothing more than a traditional European meal- heavy on the breads. I haven't actually eaten breakfast there (I've only perused the breakfast menu), so don't hold me to that. Lunch and dinner are far more superior in their offerings- pate, escargot, quiche, and frites can all be found. I tend to come in for dinner mostly, but they have the same menu and prices for both meals, which means that I can always get my frites.
If you ask me, I think it's perfectly appropriate to order a glass of wine and a bowl of frites, and call it a meal. But perhaps that's a little barbaric. So, if you're looking for a full (traditional) meal, here are some favorites: the Steak Frites (ok, so this is basically the same as above, only adding a piece of tender, flavorful beef to the mix), the country pate (which comes with little gherkins, or pickles, that are honestly the best I've had in quite some time), or the croque madame (like the croque monsiuer with an egg on top). I also recommend anything off of the special's board- the kitchen knows what they're doing, and how to make wonderful seasonal dishes. And the best part? Even if the meal you choose doesn't come with frites, you can order them as a side. Call me potato-centric, but I cannot fathom entering La Provence and not ordering frites.
As I mentioned above, La Provence has good wine. They have an extensive list, and you can order by the glass (of a limited selection) or bottle. As not all wines can be ordered by the glass, it's always a good idea to bring along dining companions to share a bottle with. That said, I think that the wines I've had by the glass are quite good, and I've never really lamented that a certain wine needed to be purchased by the bottle. Though, to be fair, I'm not a sommelier, and my opinion on wine is a bit uneducated.
In contrast, my opinion on dessert is quite educated...and in my opinion, the desserts here are worth trying. They tend to be slightly sweeter than traditional French confections, but given the American taste for sugar, I think they are probably more appealing to the average diner. Their creme brulee holds its own, and I once had a dessert crepe special that was outstanding. Again I suggest the seasonal specials, especially if they include fruit. Paired with some strong French coffee, dessert is a pleasant end to a francophile feast.
Whether you're looking for a nice place for a meal, or need your fix of frites (or other French specialties), you'll find it at La Provence.
An Apology
My dear readers, I am so sorry that I have been devoid of posts for so long! One might almost come to the conclusion that I'm not eating out anymore...which is completely untrue. I just haven't had the time to chronicle my tasty adventures. But hold onto your seats, I'm about to blast you with a whirlwind of blogging...
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